The National Federation of Rice Producers (Fenarroz) assured that no increases in the price of rice at the production level have been recorded and guaranteed that there is sufficient inventory to supply national demand.
Marcelo Reyes Jorge, president of Fenarroz, explained that, after performing verifications in the supermarkets, he found that the white line rice are maintained in approximately 29 pesos per pound, while those of higher culinary quality range between 40 pesos.
«Prices are there in supermarkets, even lower than last year. You can verify them. What happens is that some merchants seek greater participation in the contingent of the decree that allows the import of 23 thousand tons of rice, ”said Reyes Jorge.
National production and rice supply
Data from the Ministry of Agriculture indicate that the country has a total inventory of 5,336,771 quintals of rice in factories, distributed in various varieties such as lace, grade A, B and select.
Between 2019 and 2023, national production averaged 13.8 million quintals per year, almost fully covering domestic demand. In 2024, the harvest reached 14 million quintals, consolidating the growth of the sector.
You can also read: The country imported 4.2 million quintals of rice in 2024
In addition, with a per capita consumption of 127 pounds per year, national production has been strengthened to guarantee internal supply and protect local producers.
Government support to the rice sector
Given the strategic importance of this cereal in the country’s food security, President Luis Abinader promulgated Decree 693-24 on December 17, 2024, with the aim of protecting national producers against international competition.
This decree is framed within Law 75-24 on Food and Nutrition Safety and Sovereignty, which supports local production and provides stability to the sector.
Economic impact of rice in the country
Rice production generates an economic impact of more than 45,000 million pesos annually and is concentrated in 14 provinces, including: Duarte, La Vega, Sánchez Ramírez, María Trinidad Sánchez, Valverde, San Juan, Samaná, Monsignor Nouel, Dajabón and Santiago.
The national rice sector sows approximately 1.3 million tasks a year, in the hands of 30,000 producers.
You can also read: The fall in rice prices significantly slows purchases
In 2024, the production reached 14,045,411 quintals, exceeding 13,570,490 quintals of 2023. In addition, the monthly consumption went from 1.3 million to 1.5 million quintals since May 2024, reflecting a greater demand in Dominican homes.
Pric stability guarantee
Despite the increase in consumption, producers reiterate that national production has been sufficient to avoid price increases, ensuring stability for consumers and producers.
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